Pressable explosive composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to low-sensitivity, pressable, aluminum-containing explosive compositions and a method of producing them. The compositions comprise between 45 and 95% by weight explosive crystals, between 5 and 55% by weight passivated aluminum and a binder that is chosen such that the composition satisfies the requirements for low-sensitivity explosives (IM requirements). Due to the fact that the aluminum is passivated, the composition can be produced by the use of a well-known water slurry process.

1 . A pressable explosive composition having increased explosive pressure, characterized in that; 
 it comprises between 45 and 95% by weight explosive crystals and between 5 and 55% by weight passivated aluminum powder, and    a binder that is chosen such that the mixture satisfies the requirements for low-sensitivity explosives (IM requirements).    
   
   
       2 . The explosive composition according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the explosive crystals are HMX or RDX.  
   
   
       3 . The explosive composition according to either  claim 1  or  2 , characterized in that the aluminum is passivated by being coated with a coating that prevents the aluminum powder from reacting with water.  
   
   
       4 . The explosive composition according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the coating is a wax.  
   
   
       5 . The explosive composition according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the coating is isostearic acid.  
   
   
       6 . The explosive composition according to any of claims  1 - 5 , characterized in that the amount of binder in the composition is between 2% by weight and 15% by weight.  
   
   
       7 . The explosive composition according to any of claims  1 - 5 , characterized in that the binder comprises a polyacrylic elastomer, preferably HyTemp 4454 or HyTemp 4054.  
   
   
       8 . The explosive composition according to either of claims  6  or  7 , characterized in that a softener is added to the composition.  
   
   
       9 . The explosive composition according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the softener is chosen from the group consisting of Dioktyl adiapt (DOA), Dioctyl sebacat (DOS), isodecsyl pelargonate (IDP), dioctyl maleate (DOM), and dioctyl phthalate (DOP).  
   
   
       10 . The explosive composition according to  claim 9 , characterized in that the binder comprises HyTemp 4454 or HyTemp 4054 with Dioctyl adipat as the softener.  
   
   
       11 . A method for producing a pressable explosive composition having low-sensitivity, such composition comprising; 
 between 45 and 95% by weight explosive crvstals,    between 5 and 55% by weight passivated aluminum powder,    a binder that is chosen such that the mixture satisfies the requirements for low-sensitivity explosives (IM requirements), and possibly also    a softener,    the method characterized by comprising the steps of;    the aluminum is first passivated by being coated by a coating that prevents its reaction with water,    thereafter the explosive crystals and the aluminum are washed in water and heated,    thereafter is added a solution of the binder and possibly also the softener, and    the mixture is thereafter heated to a temperature that results in the solvent being distilled out of the composition.    
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the explosive crystals are RDX are HMX.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to either of claims  11  or  12 , characterized in that the amount of the binder in the composition is between 2% by weight and 15% by weight.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13 , characterized in that the binder is a polyacrylic elastomer, preferably HyTemp 4454 or HyTemp 4054.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to either  claim 13  or  14 , characterized in that a softener is added to the composition.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , characterized in that the softener is chosen from the group consisting Dioktyl adiapt (DOA), Dioctyl sebacat (DOS), isodecsyl pelargonate (IDP), dioctyl maleate (DOA), and dioctyl phthalate (DOP).  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 13 , characterized in that the binder comprises HyTemp 4454 or HyTemp 454 with Dioctyl adipat as the softener.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to any of claims  11 - 17 , characterized in that the passivating coating is a wax.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , characterized in that the passivating coating is isostearic acid.